Kerlingarfjöll Hiking Excursion from Reykjavík
Leave the beaten track of Iceland's Ring Road behind and explore a remote and otherworldly destination on a hike to Kerlingarfjöll from Reykjavík!
Practical information
A full-day excursion from Reykjavík or Gullfoss to discover the steaming Hveradalir geothermal valley on an easy trail, in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains.
- Enjoy round-trip transportation in a specialized 4x4 minibus tailored for rugged F-roads.
- Take part in a 2-hour guided hike among colorful rhyolite mountains, bubbling mud pools, and active vents.
- Learn about the Highlands with a professional guide who knows the best paths.
Course of events
Please allow a full day for this activity.
- Morning Pick-up (~30 min): Meet your guide in Reykjavik or Gullfoss to begin the journey
- Highland Drive (1 hr 45 min): Enjoy a scenic drive through vast lava fields with mountain views as we head toward the centre of the island
- Washroom Break (20 min): Stop at Gullfoss for a short break
- Highland Drive continued (~40 min)
- Basecamp Stop (20 min): Take a quick break at the Highland Base to stretch your legs, use the facilities, and prepare for the hike.
- Guided Hike: Spend about two hours hiking through the "Valley of Hot Springs," exploring bubbling mud pools and colorful hills.
- Basecamp (30 min): Use the facilities, purchase coffee or waffles
- Evening Return (~3 hr): Relax on the drive back through the Highlands before being dropped off at your starting point.
Activity requirements
It is necessary to be in fair physical condition to participate in this activity.
Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
Special terms
Pick-up from Reykjavik starts at 8 a.m. Your guide will pick you up at your preferred pick-up location, which you have chosen upon booking.
Pick-up from Gullfoss is at approximately 10:15-10:30 a.m. at the Gullfoss Café. You will board the bus traveling from Reykjavik and head to Kerlingarfjöll with the rest of the group.
This activity is weather-dependent, and the trail selection or hiking duration may change based on road and weather conditions.
The activity is not accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Pets are not allowed on this tour.
Spoken languages:
EnglishIncluded
- Hiking guide
- Pick-up and drop-off service from Reykjavik or Gullfoss
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- Toilets
Excluded
- Food and drinks
Do not forget to bring
- Warm outdoor clothing
- Waterproof & windproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Thermal underwear
- Warm headwear
- Gloves
- Camera
- Lunch & snacks
- Bottle of water
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Practical information
Meeting point:
Spoken languages:
EnglishCancellation: Super flexible
Weather guarantee:
Free rescheduling or refund if the activity must be cancelled due to bad weather.100% Secure payment:
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Here to assist you 7/7About the activity
Accessible only by four-wheel drive, Kerlingarfjöll offers a setting unlike anywhere else in Iceland: far from the tourist trail, the geothermal site of Hveradalir located there combines multicoloured rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and snow-covered peaks at altitude. The Kerlingarfjöll mountain range forms part of the rift zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that crosses Iceland from south-east to north-west, and belongs to a volcanic system covering an area of 100 km². It is one of the finest hiking destinations in Iceland — and despite its remote location, getting there is straightforward thanks to this full-day excursion including transport from Reykjavík or Gullfoss.
Get ready for a truly awe-inspiring experience as you discover Kerlingarfjöll with your specialist guide! Your hiking excursion to Kerlingarfjöll begins in Reykjavík, aboard a comfortable four-wheel-drive minibus — essential for tackling the rugged F-roads of Iceland's interior. Accompanied by the expert guide team at Arctic Adventures, passionate about local geology, you'll traverse the lunar landscapes of Iceland before making a short stop at the Highland Base camp in the Ásgarður valley. From there, you'll make your way to the Hveradalir valley — "the valley of the hot springs".
Equipped with your hiking boots and warm technical layers, you'll descend into the heart of one of Iceland's largest and most active geothermal areas, where the earth bubbles and releases impressive plumes of sulphur. For 2 hours, you'll walk through landscapes that seem to belong to another world entirely. Along the way, your guide will share their knowledge of the geological forces that continue to shape Iceland and regale you with fascinating anecdotes about the island's volcanic terrain.
Ideal for all adventurous souls in good physical condition looking to explore an isolated landscape at the heart of Iceland, this hike from Reykjavík or Gullfoss is not to be missed this summer. Book your Kerlingarfjöll hike now and prepare to set foot on one of the wildest and most unspoilt territories on the planet — with ease!